With Spider-Man’s decades-long comic-book history featuring thousands of characters, fans are constantly guessing who might be brought to the screen. Even a blink-and-you-miss-it, non-speaking character can spark debate about their possible identity.
Sometimes these theories, such as the idea that Stan Lee portrayed a cosmic being throughout his many cameos, amount to harmless fun. However, when the character in question is someone fans despise, an actor may be eager to distance himself from the speculation. That appears to be the case with the latest theory surrounding Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Eman Esfandi has rejected speculation that his Spider-Man: Brand New Day character is secretly Paul Rabin, one of the most disliked additions to Marvel’s recent comic books.
The Ahsoka star appears in the film as MJ’s unnamed boyfriend. His character is identified only as “The Boyfriend” in the credits, leaving viewers to wonder whether Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures are concealing his true identity. Although rumors that Esfandi was playing Paul have been circulating since January, the actor is clearly ready to set the record straight.
Eman Esfandi Forcefully Denies Paul Rabin Theory
Some fans quickly concluded that Esfandi must be playing Paul Rabin. However, the actor emphatically denied the theory in a post on X.
“I am not, never have been, and never will be ‘Paul,’” Esfandi wrote.
I am not, never have been, and never will be “Paul”
To those of you I saw in the comments defending my honor and saying I’d never accept that role… thank you and MTFBWY 🙏🏽🙌🏽
— Eman Esfandi (@EmanEsfandi) August 8, 2026
He also thanked the fans who defended him and insisted that he would never accept the controversial role.
To those of you I saw in the comments defending my honor and saying I’d never accept that role… thank you and MTFBWY,” he concluded, using the acronym for the famous Star Wars sendoff, “May the Force be with you.
Paul Rabin was introduced during writer Zeb Wells’ divisive 2022 run on The Amazing Spider-Man. The character met Mary Jane after she became trapped in an alternate dimension where time moved differently.
Although Peter Parker continued searching for a way to rescue her, several years passed from Mary Jane’s perspective. During that time, she and Paul found two children, raised them together, and developed a romantic relationship.
Paul Rabin in Amazing Spider-Man – Comictube, YouTube
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Peter eventually brought them back to their own dimension, but Mary Jane remained with Paul rather than reuniting with Peter. The children were later revealed to be magical constructs, further complicating an already controversial storyline.
Paul is not traditionally portrayed as an evil character. However, many Spider-Man readers resent him because he represents another obstacle preventing Peter and Mary Jane from rebuilding their relationship. Many were pleased when the character was killed off earlier this year.
Why Fans Thought Esfandi Was Playing Paul
The circumstances surrounding Esfandi’s Brand New Day role made the theory seem plausible.
Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, MJ no longer remembers Peter or their relationship. Brand New Day reveals that she has since begun dating someone else, placing Esfandi’s character in a position similar to Paul’s role in the comics.
As CinemaBlend noted, reports that open-caption screenings identified Esfandi’s character as “Paul” added fuel to the speculation. Nevertheless, the movie’s official credits list him only as “The Boyfriend.”
The Mystery Surrounding MJ’s Boyfriend Continues
Esfandi’s denial therefore creates a new mystery. If he is not playing Paul, the filmmakers may be withholding the character’s name because it carries some other significance.
An image from Spider-Man Brand New Day – Sony
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Fans have already suggested that he could be a new version of Harry Osborn, Boomerang, or another established Spider-Man character. It is also possible that he is simply playing an original character whose only purpose was to add emotional weight to Peter’s story.
Whatever the explanation, Esfandi clearly wants no association with Paul Rabin and would prefer that fans connect him with his Ahsoka character, Ezra Bridger. His unusually forceful denial also demonstrates just how unpopular the comic-book character remains. Even the actor playing MJ’s new boyfriend appears offended that fans believed he might be Paul.
Do you think Eman Esfandi is playing Paul Rabin in Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Sound off and let us know!
